Apparently a survey in October 2007 produced a very similar level of concern about corruption.
And as corroboration, in the latest CREW annual Most Corrupt politicians “awards”, the Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington organisation named three members of Congress from New York among those it identified from across the United States as the 12 most corrupt ( two are from Florida ).
The CREW commentary is that “…the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision has unleashed an unprecedented flood of money into politics, providing new opportunities for corruption, and the investigative bodies responsible for making sure government acts in the best interests of the public must do a better job. The president needs to nominate new commissioners to the FEC and make sure they’re willing to enforce the law. Further, the House should retain the OCE and Congress must reform its ethics process, rendering it more transparent and accountable to the people…”
Closer to home is the concern expressed by media about the threat of corruption in Australia. Although the OECD report on enforcement of the Anti Bribery Convention published this month recognises measures being taken by Australian agencies to investigate bribery allegations, the information being made public about the Reserve Bank subsidiary has disquietened many. Facilitation payments to Asian interests to gain banknote printing contracts suggests connivance at very senior levels. The Age advocates reinvigorating “… the fight against bribery and corruption at home and abroad. The federal government, for example, needs the capacity to prevent, detect and investigate serious corruption that does not fit easily under the limited Australian Public Service misconduct regime…”
Integrity Talking Points 